After months of preparation and renovations, the Sedalia Democrat will open its doors at its new downtown Sedalia location next week.
The Democrat’s last day at its current leased building, 700 S. Massachusetts Ave., will be Friday, April 29. The first day at 111 W. Fourth St. will be Monday, May 2. The Democrat’s phone number will remain the same, although phone service will be interrupted during the weekend as staff members move to the new building. Operating hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday will also remain the same.
“It has been a lot of work to renovate our new building and to prepare our current building for the big move over the last several months. Our staff has done a great job and I’m proud of their efforts and flexibility during this important transition,” Publisher Will Weibert said. “While there are still some finishing touches to complete, I’m excited to have a new, updated home for the Democrat. We can’t wait to begin operating in this new space and to share it with the community.”
In January, the Democrat announced it had purchased the former Sedalia Water Department building; the City of Sedalia moved the department’s offices to the Sedalia Municipal Building, 200 S. Osage Ave., in March 2020.
This move will bring the Democrat across the street from its former home. In November 1911, the Democrat-Sentinel moved to 108-110 W. Fourth St. Once the Democrat company purchased The Sedalia Capital in 1919, the Democrat remained on Fourth Street while the Capital was at 401 S. Lamine Ave. The Democrat-Capital opened its current office at 700 S. Massachusetts Ave. in 1967.
In March, printing operations for the Democrat were moved to Nowata Printing Co., a commercial printing plant in Springfield owned by Phillips Media Group, the Democrat’s parent company. Printing also moved to Nowata for the Warrensburg Star-Journal, The Plainsman and the Star-Advertiser, which are all owned by the Democrat.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce for the Democrat’s new office will be hosted later this summer.
